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For food and drink lovers, there’s no better getaway than a barge holiday in France, particularly if you’re travelling around Bordeaux. Famous for its delicious wines and beautiful scenery, the city provides a great opportunity for barge holidays – cruise along the Canal de Garonne with your travel companion, exploring and appreciating the serene French lifestyle while sampling some of the world’s finest wines. Here’s all you need to know about this famous beverage. The Varieties Bordeaux wine comes in many different varieties, so while you’re on your travels you’re sure to have the opportunity to sample a fair few! Red grapes include Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot or Cabernet Sauvignon. These all share the primary flavours of blackcurrant and plum. You may find you are able to source some great vintages while on your barge holiday in France – look out for bottles from 2000, 2005 and 2009. If you’re more into whites, look out for Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. You’ll find that the main flavours dominating these wines are gooseberry, lemon and grapefruit. Blended Grapes It’s useful to know that the famous Bordeaux blends are made with many grape varieties, combined in specific ratios. The most well-known blend is the Bordeaux red, which is made up of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc and Malbec grapes – this is the most copied blend around the world. Only a small proportion of the wine production in the city is dedicated to whites, but if you’re keen to find a crisp blanc flavour, a classic Sauvignon Blanc is certainly recommended, as it originated here many years ago. The grapes in a Bordeaux white are 53% Sémillon with the rest made up of both Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The Perfect Meal Accompaniment Though you may want to enjoy several evenings of your holiday simply sipping your glass of red and looking across the peaceful canal, you may also wish to enjoy your drink alongside some delicious French cuisine. It is often best to pair the red wines with meats such as roast pork, buffalo, duck or beef brisket. Cheeses that go well with a Bordeaux red include Manchego, Pepper Jack and White Cheddar. If you’re looking to enjoy a meal with a glass of white, try foods with garlic, lime and basil – fragrant, herbal flavours. Dishes could include an asparagus risotto, halibut, lobster or ravioli. Wine on the Water Intrigued by these fantastic Bordeaux flavours? Book a barge holiday in France and savour the richness of the reds and crispness of the whites in the place from which the flavours originated. It will be the holiday of a lifetime! No matter where your preferences lie when it comes to wines, you’re sure to find the perfect tipple while travelling around this authentic city of France. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider if you're looking for an all-inclusive, luxury barge holiday in France or other great destinations. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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